The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival (AJFF) began on Wednesday and will run until February 27.

Take popcorn and Twizzlers and be sure to check out the schedule of this year’s festival. With more than 50 feature and short films included in the lineup of virtual screenings, we asked festival executive director Kenny Blanc to highlight some of his must-see elections in 2022. Here are the best ⑤ hidden Blanc gems that should not be missed.

① It is very unusual when the festival includes an animated film, let alone two! This year the directors are Eric Varin and Tahir Rana Charlotte tells the story of German expressionist artist Charlotte Solomon (voiced by Kira Knightley), who came of age amid the rise of Nazi Germany to power. Solomon left behind an elegant and profound work.

② Excellently crafted film by Florence Miya “Crossing” shows that animation is not just for telling children’s stories. This award-winning parable universalizes the refugee crisis of the past and present.

③ Ryszard Brylski “Death of Siegelboim” – another festival film that reveals the current lessons of historical events. This North American premiere tells the story of an anti-fascist martyr who tried to shake the conscience of the world before Nazism, while warning of the danger of turning a blind eye to global threats.

④ “Pig breeder Leon:” AJFF is all about discoveries, and this British cult classic – unknown to most American audiences – is sure to win your heart with its unusual, joyful story of family dysfunction and the search for identity. This jubilee show of comedy history of Vadim Jean and Gary Signora in 1992 is dedicated to the 30th anniversary. How’s that for a non-kosher storyline?

⑤ ShortsA: If you are looking for more entertainment, the festival offers three magnificent collections of short films, each featuring the smartest and most creative movies you’ve ever seen. Stories can be compact – from 40 to just a few minutes – but the emotions and impact conveyed are as profound as any feature film.

The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival (AJFF) began on Wednesday and will run until February 27.

Take popcorn and Twizzlers and be sure to check out the schedule of this year’s festival. With more than 50 feature and short films included in the lineup of virtual screenings, we asked festival executive director Kenny Blanc to highlight some of his must-see elections in 2022. Here are the best ⑤ hidden Blanc gems that should not be missed.

① It is very unusual when the festival includes an animated film, let alone two! This year the directors are Eric Varin and Tahir Rana Charlotte tells the story of German expressionist artist Charlotte Solomon (voiced by Kira Knightley), who came of age amid the rise of Nazi Germany to power. Solomon left behind an elegant and profound work.

② Excellently crafted film by Florence Miya “Crossing” shows that animation is not just for telling children’s stories. This award-winning parable universalizes the refugee crisis of the past and present.

③ Ryszard Brylski “Death of Siegelboim” – another festival film that reveals the current lessons of historical events. This North American premiere tells the story of an anti-fascist martyr who tried to shake the conscience of the world before Nazism, while warning of the danger of turning a blind eye to global threats.

④ “Pig breeder Leon:” AJFF is all about discoveries, and this British cult classic – unknown to most American audiences – is sure to win your heart with its unusual, joyful story of family dysfunction and the search for identity. This jubilee show of comedy history of Vadim Jean and Gary Signora in 1992 is dedicated to the 30th anniversary. How’s that for a non-kosher storyline?

⑤ ShortsA: If you are looking for more entertainment, the festival offers three magnificent collections of short films, each featuring the smartest and most creative movies you’ve ever seen. Stories can be compact – from 40 to just a few minutes – but the emotions and impact conveyed are as profound as any feature film.